In an effort to improve Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hiker Survey, I have continued to expand the questions I ask hikers. This year, I have taken an even deeper dive into finding out what gear hikers used, but more importantly, what gear made hikers successful and what gear hikers wanted to burn or
PCT Class of 2016 Survey: The Gear Guide
For this past year's Pacific Crest Trail Thru-hiker Survey, I collected more data than I have any other year (thanks again to everyone who participated). To make sure we're getting the most out of this data, I've decided to break down the survey results into more detailed posts, including
10 Things You’re Forgetting On Your Pacific Crest Trail Hike
As much as I want all of you to believe that you're taking far too much with you on the Pacific Crest Trail, there are probably some small items that you're overlooking in your search for the ultimate PCT gear list. Strangely enough, it turns out a lot of the items you're forgetting are generic
The Ultimate Pacific Crest Trail Packing List
It's been a few years since my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and the gear in my pack has changed dramatically. The idea of another thru-hike (PCT or otherwise) interrupts my thoughts on a daily basis, and I fear that the only way to silence this persistent nagging voice inside my head is to once
The Best Stoves For Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail
If you're planning a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike and you've told anyone about your crazy plan to cross the United States with the power of your own two feet, then chances are they've asked you some crazy questions. One of the questions commonly asked: "What are you going to do about
The Best Water Filters And Purifiers For The PCT
How to turn delicious pathogen-filled water sources into delicious won't-get-you-sick water sources on the Pacific Crest Trail is a question every hiker faces (unless you don't believe in treating because your thru-hiking power level is 9,000+). Although many PCT thru-hikers say things like "I
Bear Canister Tips And Strategies
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a bear canister is a bear-proof container used for storing food (and basically anything with a smell/fragrance) in the backcountry. What's that? Bear proof, but not human proof? Yes, because although they could literally (and effortlessly) tear us to pieces,
The Best Bear Canisters For The Pacific Crest Trail
The bear canister: an essential piece of Pacific Crest Trail equipment that reminds thru-hikers of what they're truly afraid of out in the wilderness - being torn to pieces by a ravenous bear in the middle of their night (but we all there know there's scarier things than bears out there). If
CamelBak All Clear UV Water Purifier Review
Want to make everyone you see jealous of how quickly and easily you're able to purify water? The CamelBak All Clear is by far the quickest and easiest water purifier I've ever used. Although the weight of the All Clear may be prohibitive for some people, if it's something you can look past, this